| 2012 Florida CSC State Policy Program |
|
|
ADEQUATELY FUND AND IMPROVE EARLY CHILDHOOD/AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS SUPPORT adequate levels of funding based on national standards for early childhood programs: child care and voluntary pre-kindergarten (VPK). AMEND the School Readiness statute to expand the population of children served from 0-5 to 0-8. REQUIRE the use of research-based curricula with proven successful outcomes in early childhood programs. SUPPORT efforts to adequately assess kindergarten readiness by requiring appropriate child and program assessments rather than year-end pre-K tests. HEALTHY CHILDREN ENSURE appropriate pre-natal care and a medical home for each child, including access to an annual health (physical and mental) and preventive dental visit. SUPPORTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ENSURE that young adults leaving foster care receive adequate and appropriate Road to Independence program support. SUPPORT adequate levels of funding for home visitation programs to prevent child abuse and neglect. ENSURE that children with developmental disabilities in state custody continue to receive priority status for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. YOUTH SERVICES FLORIDA CHILDREN'S SERVICES COUNCIL The Florida Children's Services Council (Florida CSC) is a non-profit association that represents children's services councils in counties throughout the state. Florida CSC employs the collective strengths of these public organizations to improve young lives by making strategic investments in the well being of Florida's children. Children's Services Councils (CSCs) fund primary prevention and early intervention programs in their communities. These investments help to ensure healthy and productive children and youth, family well being and self sufficiency. CSCs also provide public policy leadership and advocacy for Florida's children and families. 2011-2012 FCSC Executive Board Linda Lanier, CEO, Chair Luanne Panacek, CEO, Vice Chair David Heaton, Exec. Dir., Treasurer Sean Boyle, Exec. Dir., Secretary Tana Ebbole, CEO, Immediate Past Chair Modesto E. Abety-Gutierrez, CEO Gay Lancaster, Exec. Dir. Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, Pres./CEO FCSC Staff Brittany Birken, Ph. D. Chief Executive Officer Florida Children's Services Council |